Take Home Naloxone
Take home naloxone kits are now available for free to Saskatchewan residents who are at risk of an opioid overdose and those who might witness an overdose (i.e., friends and family). Previously, kits were only available to individuals at risk.
Saskatchewan’s Take Home Naloxone (THN) program was launched in Saskatoon in November 2015 in response to the growing number of opioid-related deaths across Canada. In May 2018, the Ministry of Health expanded the program to include both people at risk of an opioid overdose and those who might witness an overdose, as well as sites in every former health region. Training on how to use the kits is provided in several locations and there are new venues for distribution of THN kits, including emergency departments and community-based organizations.
A range of health care providers are qualified to distribute the kits, including registered nurse (nurse practitioners) RN(NP)s, registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), registered psychiatric nurses (RPNs), licensed paramedics, registered social workers (RSW), community health workers, addiction counsellors and other unregulated roles working with target populations. Prior to distributing THN kits, qualified staff will be required to provide clients with standard education and training on overdose prevention, recognition and response, as well as administration of naloxone.
Please click on the links below for more information about the program.
Canadian Hospitals Specialties Ltd. is issuing a recall on MED-RX® Naloxone Kits due to a discrepancy in the re-administration time of the naloxone stated in the SAVE ME STEPS instructions included in the naloxone kits. The Naloxone medication states a re-administration time of 2 to 3 minutes which does not align with the SAVE ME STEPS insert re-administration time.
ACTIONS:
- Refer to the recall letter below for more information on affected product codes and lot numbers.
- See the replacement instructional insert (SAVE ME STEPS) below and review with your clients and any users who may have received these kits.
- Review your inventory and complete the Customer Response form below by August 6, 2024 and return to recalls@chsltd.com.